I�d just seen "Goodbye Lenin!" prior to watching this film, both films used the Berlin Wall as their backdrop but that is where the similarity ended!
This film is about corruption in the military and the fact that destruction is an inherent part of human nature. So we meet Ray Elwood (charismatically portrayed by Joaquin Pheonix) a member of the 317th Supply Battalion stationed in Stuttgart. Successfully running his own part of a black-market enterprise he seems to have life pretty well sorted out for himself. His self-destructive nature, counter pointed by his "falling" dreams, reveals itself when he bites off more than he can chew by getting into a five million dollar arms deal. This occurs around the same time as a clean up of the base is happening, lead by Scott Glenn's top sergeant, a "Nam vet" with a real hatred of Elwood. Suffice it to say that there is a lot of action and very few still moments in this film, which is also incredibly funny at times!
I will not go into too much detail as I think this film is going to be quite popular when it goes on general release. Director Gregor Jordan has done a sterling job in getting this film out, which has been delayed nearly two years (!) in release due to the sensitivity surrounding the events of the 11th of September and subsequent wars with middle eastern countries.
Gregor himself admits to being a fan of Kubrick, as I guessed in the bomb doors scene. When questioned after the film he revealed his interest in the fact that recent events seem to have totally shifted the consciousness and perspective of so many people pointing out that before his film was released the main concern was about the drugs use in the film, and now it is about whether or not the portrayal of the military is "right".
**** (out of 5)
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